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Geraldine Farrar – Autograph Letter Signed (“Geraldine”). 3 December 1936 – Ridgefield, Connecticut, To Mabel Webb, mother of actor Clifton Webb, With original envelope (postmark DEC 3 1936), Clifton Webb reference – Edward VIII abdication context
A lively and engaging autograph letter signed by the celebrated American soprano Geraldine Farrar (1882–1967), written from her Ridgefield home and posted on 3 December 1936. Addressed to Mabel Webb (1889–1979), the mother of actor and dancer Clifton Webb, the letter offers a vivid glimpse into the intimate musical and social world surrounding Webb’s early career.
The original envelope is present, clearly postmarked RIDGEFIELD, CONN – DEC 3 – 9:30 AM – 1936, with its purple 5¢ Buffalo stamp and colourful Holiday Greetings 1936 seal on the reverse. Webb and his mother lived together throughout his Broadway and Hollywood career, and Mabel Webb maintained a personal office address at 410 Park Avenue, used for her extensive social correspondence and organisational work.
Farrar describes a recent gathering in characteristic theatrical style, noting that “Clifton was in real musical vein” — a charming reference to the young Clifton Webb, then a prominent Broadway performer and later a three‑time Academy Award nominee. Farrar’s remark reflects the refined salon culture of the Webb household, where private musical evenings and witty performances were a hallmark.
The letter also contains a playful nod to contemporary royal drama, referring to “the giddy British Monarch!” — a humorous comment on Edward VIII during the final days of the abdication crisis, which dominated American newspapers in late 1936. Farrar’s line “What a situation indeed!” places the letter squarely within this historic moment.
Signed simply “Geraldine”.
A superb intersection of Geraldine Farrar, Clifton Webb, his mother Mabel Webb, New York high‑society musical life, and the Edward VIII abdication crisis — all firmly dated by the original envelope.
Condition as photos.All items can be returned for a full refund if found to be not as described.Supplied with my standard digital Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance. See \'Provenance\' below
Alice Geraldine Farrar(Feb 1882 – Mar 1967) was an American lyric soprano who also frequently sang dramatic roles. She was noted for her beauty, acting ability, and \"the intimate timbre of her voice.\" In the 1910s, she also found success as an actress in silent films. Farrar had a large following among young women, who were nicknamed Webb (1889 – 1979) was the mother and lifelong companion of actor and dancer Clifton Webb, sharing his household and social world throughout his Broadway and Hollywood career. A well‑connected New York society figure, she used a personal office at 410 Park Avenue for her correspondence, charity work, and the musical salon culture that surrounded her son. Her circle included leading performers such as Geraldine Farrar, whose letters to her reflect the intimate artistic milieu of the Webb household and its prominent place in mid‑century Park Avenue cultural life.
Webb Parmelee Hollenbeck (Nov 1889 – Oct 1966), known professionally as Clifton Webb, was an American actor, singer, and dancer. He worked extensively and was known for his stage appearances in the plays of Noël Coward, including Blithe Spirit, as well as appearances on Broadway in a number of successful musical revues. As a film actor, he was nominated for three Academy Awards — Best Supporting Actor for Laura (1944) and The Razor\'s Edge (1946), and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Sitting Pretty class=\"MsoNormal\">From a single owner collection of 3,000+ items. A chaotic uncatalogued miscellany of items from 17th to 20th Century.
Containing, amongst many other things: ALSs (Autograph Letters Signed); Signed Photos, Posters, Ephemera, Album pages; Clipped Signatures; Signed Free Fronts; Misc Manuscript Items; etc, etc.
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